1892. `Otago Witness,' Nov. 10 [`Native Trees']:
"Rata, or Ironwood. It would be supposed that almost every colonist who has seen the rata in bloom would desire to possess a plant."
1893. `The Argus,' Feb. 4 [Leading Article]:
"The critic becomes to the original author what the New Zealand rata is to the kauri. That insidious vine winds itself round the supporting trunk and thrives on its strength and at its expense, till finally it buries it wholly from sight and flaunts itself aloft, a showy and apparently independent tree."
<hw>Rat-tail Grass</hw>, <i>n</i>. name given to— (1) <i>Ischaemum laxum</i>, R. Br., <i>N.O. Gramineae</i>.
1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 92:
"Rat-tail Grass. An upright, slender growing grass; found throughout the colony, rather coarse, but yielding a fair amount of feed, which is readily eaten by cattle."
(2) <i>Sporobolus indicus</i>, R. Br., <i>N.O. Gramineae</i>.
1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 109:
"Rat-tail Grass. A fine, open, pasture grass, found throughout the colonies. Its numerous penetrating roots enable it to resist severe drought. It yields a fair amount of fodder, much relished by stock, but is too coarse for sheep. The seeds form the principal food of many small birds. It has been suggested as a paper-making material."